Ramy Ashour may be on a 31-match unbeaten run but in the cut-throat world and
tight environs of professional squash, the brilliant Egyptian still "feels
like a mouse" on court.

Ashour, the world No 1, beat Britain's James Willstrop, then Nick Matthew to win the North American Open last weekend and goes into the Kuwait PSA Cup on Saturday as top seed and clear favourite to land another title.

After beating Willstrop in a thrilling semi-final in Virginia, Ashour conceded that he had to summon every ounce of energy in scampering to another title showdown with Matthew.

"Playing James, it's like a beast versus a mouse," world champion Ashour said. "I feel like a little mouse every time I play him.

"He is so big that I am always running round him, trying to find a gap to run through to get to the ball."

But get through he did, scuppering Willstrop's bid for a first PSA title since winning the North American Open a year ago.